Getting rid of a chest cough and phlegm: natural solutions

A wet cough, also known as a productive cough, is characterized by the presence of thick secretions or phlegm in the airways. It is often the result of irritation or inflammation of the nose, throat, or upper respiratory tract. Unlike a dry cough, which is irritating and does not produce mucus, a productive cough is accompanied by sputum or phlegm.

When the airways are inflamed, the body produces mucus to protect them from irritants or infections. This buildup of mucus can cause a feeling of congestion in the chest and throat, which leads to a productive cough. This cough is actually a natural mechanism of the body to expel excess secretions and impurities from the airways, which helps to clear the airways and promote easier breathing.

Colds, flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, smoking... these are all factors that can cause a productive cough. A productive cough is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom caused by an infection or inflammation. symptom caused by an infection or inflammation of the bronchi. In response to this attack, the bronchi produce secretions that are filled with microbes and other impurities and are expelled when you cough. To facilitate this expulsion, adopt simple daily habits:

• Drink: to thin the secretions and thus expel them. Drinking hot beverages regularly will relieve your throat. You can add lemon for its antiseptic properties and honey for its soothing properties.

• Ventilate your home every day and maintain a temperature of 64-68°F in your bedroom to promote healthy air that is not too dry. Use a humidifier if the atmosphere in your home is very dry.

• Stop smoking or using any other irritants that affect the mucous membranes: cigarette smoke aggravates symptoms.

• Get plenty of rest: rest helps the body fight infection.

• Don't force yourself to eat if you're not hungry. Temporarily exclude mucus-producing and pro-inflammatory foods from your diet: refined sugars, alcohol, red meat, and dairy products in particular.

• Use inhalers to relieve your cough.

Self-medication is strongly discouraged. Consult a doctor for advice on treating your cough. The solutions below are not intended to treat your cough, but to relieve it.  

Essential oils

Preventive measures can be taken to stop irritants from entering our respiratory tract and attacking our mucous membranes. Boosting our immunity is a good reflex. 

Zinc

Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. The highly bioavailable zinc formula in Aroma-Zone's Zinc Bisglycinate tablets provides 100% of the recommended daily intake.

Discover Zinc Bisglycinate: Dietary supplement - Aroma Zone

Precautions : Consumption should be limited to a few weeks/months. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements. For adult use only.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D3 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. It is particularly recommended when exposure to sunlight is limited. 

Discover Vegan Vitamin D3 - Dietary supplement - Aroma-Zone

Precautions: Do not use on children under 3 years of age. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

In general, a productive cough that persists for more than a week in children or pregnant women, or that is accompanied by pain, fever, or sputum, must be treated by a doctor. fever, and phlegm, must be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

During pregnancy, it is advisable to limit the use of essential oils to a minimum as a precaution. They may only be used from the second trimester of pregnancy onwards, in limited quantities, never internally, and only if they are suitable essential oils. Similarly, the use of essential oils is very delicate in babies and young children, should only be done on medical advice, and should be avoided before the age of 3. Be sure to refer to the specific properties of each essential oil.

Although essential oils can be beneficial in relieving a productive cough, it is important to take certain precautions, especially in certain populations. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children, people with epilepsy, and people with asthma or respiratory problems should consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils.

In addition, some essential oils may irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive individuals. It is therefore recommended to perform a skin tolerance test by diluting the essential oil in a vegetable oil before any skin use. If in doubt or if an adverse reaction occurs, it is best to discontinue use and consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

The properties, indications, and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy, and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This information cannot replace a diagnosis, consultation, or medical follow-up, nor can it engage our responsibility. We recommend that you consult the essential oils guide before use to learn about the precautions. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

 Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for preventing coughs. Take vitamin D supplements, which are ideal for boosting the immune system. To get rid of a productive cough, consider foot reflexology: use your thumb to massage the arched area at the base of the toes under the foot to stimulate the reflex point corresponding to the lung area. To prevent nighttime coughing, make sure the air in your bedroom is humid, especially in winter.

A practitioner and graduate in scientific aromatherapy, foot reflexology, and olfactotherapy, Aude Maillard has a comprehensive approach to essential oils, combining both scientific and energetic perspectives. She is also, above all, passionate about essential oils and eager to share her knowledge.Aude Maillard now runs Aroma-Zone aromatherapy workshops and is also available for personalized consultations. For more information, visit www.aude-maillard.fr